The Nelson Institute is thrilled to welcome writer, activist, and comedian Baratunde Thurston through its Jordahl Public Lands Lecture Series.
Baratunde Thurston tells a better story of us, weaving together threads of race, technology, democracy and climate through his work as an Emmy-nominated host, producer, writer, and public speaker. He is the host and executive producer of the PBS television series America Outdoors with Baratunde Thurston, creator and host of How To Citizen with Baratunde, which Apple named one of its favorite podcasts of 2020, and a founding partner of the new media startup Puck.
His comedic memoir, How To Be Black, is a New York Times best-seller. In 2019, he delivered what MSNBC’s Brian Williams called “one of the greatest TED talks of all time.” Thurston is unique in his ability to integrate and synthesize different and difficult topics in a style that’s intelligent, compassionate, and humorous. Thurston serves on the boards of Civics Unplugged and the Brooklyn Public Library and lives in Los Angeles, California.
“We’re excited to host Baratunde Thurston because he brings a fresh, approachable perspective that incorporates humor as he connects people and the land,” says Emily Reynolds, the Nelson Institute’s director of community engagement and alumni relations. “Through his PBS show, Baratunde demonstrates the importance of conservation and stewardship, which very much defined Bud Jordahl’s conservation career.”
This talk will be the final Jordahl Public Lands Lecture hosted by the Nelson Institute, which started in 2012. “As we adapt to the changing world, we plan to transition away from the traditional Jordahl Public Lands Lecture to new efforts — while still maintaining a commitment to the topics of public lands conservation and stewardship — with a goal of reaching more people through new communication channels,” Reynolds adds.
Thurston will speak at the Wisconsin Union Theater’s Shannon Hall on Thursday, Oct. 5, from 7–8 p.m. The event is free to attend, but registration is required as seats are limited.
About the Jordahl Public Lands Lecture
The Nelson Institute’s Jordahl Public Lands Lecture Series was established to honor the legacy of Wisconsin conservation pioneer Bud Jordahl, who was the architect of much of the conservation policy framework that exists in our state today. This event defines the latest thinking in public lands acquisition, stewardship, and science.
About the Nelson Institute
The Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies at UW–Madison is committed to advancing environmental stewardship and social justice through activities and events that focus on environmental and racial justice, decolonizing relationships with Native communities, and diversifying the constituency for environmental issues and action. In addition to housing four interdisciplinary research centers, the Nelson Institute offers an undergraduate major and certificates, as well as graduate degrees and certificates. Using an interdisciplinary approach, the Nelson Institute confronts global environmental challenges through imaginative research, hands-on education, and public programs that foster environmental conversations among people from business, government, academia, and advocacy.
